Story Films is to produce "The Moonies: Married to the Cult" (w/t), a new documentary special for Prime Video UK and All3Media International, which is investing as global partner, managing distribution rights in the rest of the world.
The Moonies are best known for their mass weddings – the theatrical centrepiece of a widely popular religious movement founded by Rev. Moon in the pursuit of world peace. But beneath these spectacular ceremonies allegedly lurks a darker side – a powerful organisation with billions in global assets, considerable political influence and millions of followers.
Adam Hopkins, Head of Factual at Story Films, commented, “We’re excited to build upon our successful track record with Prime Video UK and the All3Media International team to bring this fascinating film, 'The Moonies: Married To The Cult' (w/t) to screens around the globe. Many viewers will remember the extraordinary images of mass weddings - where couples were matched and married - but few know the real story of what happened when a so-called Messiah began building a global empire, pitting believers against their families in dramatic fashion. Director Tom Green and our incredible production team, led by Executive Producer Liza Williams, worked tenaciously to secure interviews with key insiders, many of whom have not shared their stories before, so we know this unmissable documentary will reveal astonishing truths about a world long shrouded in secrecy.”
"The Moonies: Married to the Cult" (w/t) features unprecedented access to insiders, including Rev. Moon’s illegitimate son, Sam Park, speaking out for the first time about his experiences of mass weddings, sex ceremonies and not being acknowledged by the man he believes to be his father; whilst a host of other contributors share their compelling experiences, from kidnappings to escapes, and other jaw dropping stories from the inside of a runaway religion whose legacy continues to shape our world today.
Rachel Job, SVP Unscripted at All3Media International, added, “We’re delighted to team up with Story Films and Prime Video UK on the acquisition and distribution of the latest premium documentary from this BAFTA- winning team. Once again, Story Films will take viewers inside a world that is notoriously difficult to access, this time offering an extraordinary look at a religion that everyone has heard of but, over 70 years since it was founded, remains a mystery to most. With The Moonies: Married To The Cult (w/t) promising to bring more of the team’s impeccable storytelling skills and high production values to another globally relevant subject, we know there will be strong demand among our clients for this gripping new special.”
This latest collaboration follows the recent announcement that Prime Video UK and All3Media have acquired five true crime titles from Story Films’ including "A Killer's Confession", "Hunting The Yorkshire Ripper", "The London Railway Murders", "Killer In The Family", and "The Honeymoon Murder: Who Killed Anni Dewani?".
